roofing upgrades to improve roofs
roofing upgrades to improve roofs

Maximizing Energy Efficiency with Roofing Upgrades in Florida

Florida is known for its hot and humid climate, which can be brutal on energy bills, especially during the summer months. With the average temperature in Florida hovering around 80°F, it is no wonder that homeowners are always looking for ways to maximize energy efficiency and save money on their cooling costs.

While many people think about upgrading their windows or HVAC systems to achieve this, there’s another option that often goes overlooked: your roof. Upgrading your roofing system can have a significant impact on your home’s energy efficiency, and ultimately, help you save money on your energy bills.

Energy-Saving Roofing Upgrades

Here are some roof upgrades that can help maximize energy efficiency and reduce energy bills in your home.

Cool Roofing

Cool roofing is an effective way to maximize energy efficiency in Florida. Cool roofs are designed to reflect more sunlight and absorb less heat than traditional roofing materials. They can be made from a variety of materials, including asphalt shingles, metal, and tile.

One of the most popular types of cool roofing is the metal roof. Metal roof contractors offer many options that are highly reflective and can reduce your home’s cooling costs by up to 40%. Plus, choosing the right colored metal roof can also make a difference. 

Another popular type of cool roofing is the tile roof. Tile roofs are made from clay or concrete and are highly reflective. They can help keep your home cooler by reflecting the sun’s rays away from your roof. Tile roofs are also durable and long-lasting, making them an excellent investment for homeowners.

Attic Insulation

Attic insulation is an essential component of any energy-efficient home. It helps keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter by preventing heat transfer between your attic and your living space. In Florida, attic insulation is especially important because it can help prevent hot air from entering your home through your roof.

According to Energy Monster, the recommended R-value for attic insulation in Florida is between R30 and R60. This means that your attic insulation should be between 10 and 20 inches thick, depending on the type of insulation you choose. Fiberglass and cellulose insulation are both popular choices for attic insulation in Florida.

If your attic is not currently insulated or if your insulation is outdated, it may be time to upgrade your insulation. Not only will this help maximize energy efficiency in your home, but it can also help reduce your energy bills and make your home more comfortable.

attic insulation cause energy efficiency

Ventilation

Proper ventilation is another essential component of an energy-efficient home. In Florida, ventilation is especially important because it can help prevent moisture buildup in your attic. Moisture buildup can lead to mold and mildew growth, which can be harmful to your health.

The most common type of ventilation in Florida is the ridge vent system. Ridge vents are installed at the peak of your roof and allow hot air to escape from your attic. They work in conjunction with soffit vents, which are installed in the eaves of your roof and allow cool air to enter your attic.

If your home does not currently have proper ventilation, it may be time to upgrade your ventilation system. This can help maximize energy efficiency, reduce your energy bills.

Roof Color

The color of your roof can also have an impact on energy efficiency in Florida. Lighter-colored roofs tend to reflect more sunlight and absorb less heat, making them a good choice for homeowners looking to maximize energy efficiency. Darker-colored roofs, on the other hand, absorb more heat and can make your home hotter, especially during the summer months.

When choosing a roof color, it’s important to consider your home’s style and architecture. You want to choose a color that complements your home’s design while also maximizing energy efficiency.

Solar Panels

Solar panels are an excellent way to maximize energy efficiency in Florida. They can help reduce your energy bills and provide a clean and renewable source of energy for your home. Solar panels work by converting sunlight into electricity, which can be used to power your home’s appliances and electronics.

In Florida, the abundance of sunlight makes solar panels an excellent investment for homeowners. They can help reduce your energy bills by up to 50% and can provide a return on investment within a few years.

A roofer installing solar panel in and near Lakeland

Reflective Roof Coatings

Reflective roof coatings are designed to reflect the sun’s rays away from your home, reducing the amount of heat that enters your attic and living space. This type of coating is especially effective in Florida because it can help reduce the amount of heat that enters your home through the roof during the hot summer months.

Reflective coatings can be applied to a variety of roofing materials, including asphalt shingles, metal roofs, and tile roofs. They can be either white or silver in color, and they work by reflecting the sun’s rays back into the atmosphere. This reduces the amount of heat absorbed by your roof and keeps your home cooler.

In addition to keeping your home cooler, reflective roof coatings can also extend the life of your roof. By reflecting the sun’s rays away from your roof, the coating can help prevent damage from UV rays and prevent premature aging of your roof.

Energy Star Ratings for New Roofs

If you are looking to install a new roof or are going to have a roof replacement, you should be aware of the Energy Star program, a government-backed program that provides certification for energy-efficient products, including roofing materials. Roofing materials with an Energy Star rating are designed to meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the program. These guidelines are based on the ability of the roofing material to reflect sunlight and reduce heat transfer, which can help to lower energy costs and reduce the environmental impact of a home or building.

To receive an Energy Star rating, roofing materials must meet specific criteria for solar reflectance and thermal emittance. Solar reflectance refers to the ability of the roofing material to reflect sunlight, while thermal emittance refers to the ability of the roofing material to release absorbed heat. The higher the solar reflectance and thermal emittance values, the more energy efficient the roofing material is.

Energy Star ratings for roofing materials can help homeowners and building owners make informed decisions about their roofing choices. By choosing roofing materials with an Energy Star rating, they can be confident that they are selecting a product that is designed to be energy efficient and can help to lower their energy bills. In addition, they can feel good about making a choice that can help to reduce the environmental impact of their home or building.

Homeowners and building owners can find Energy Star-rated roofing materials by checking the Energy Star website, asking their roofing company, or by looking for the Energy Star label on the product. 

Not all roofing materials are eligible for an Energy Star rating, so it is important to do your research and work with a reputable roofing company that can help you choose the best materials for your specific needs and budget.

Stronghold Roofing and Solar

When you need roofing services, you want the best roofing company in Florida – Stronghold Roofing and Solar. Our Lakeland roofing company serves homeowners and business owners throughout central Florida with a full range of services, from free inspections to re-roofs and new roofs.

Contact us today for more information.

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Schedule a Risk-Free Roofing Inspection

Did you know it’s recommended that you get a roof inspected by a professional at least once per year? Our expert contractors can spot issues like cracked tiles, blistering shingles, loose materials or debris, and soft spots on your roof. It’s essential these issues are taken care of promptly to prevent further issues down the road. Let us drop by and check your roof from any unseen problems. Fill out the contact form below to schedule your inspection.